Anneke Toomey has been playing the piano since the age of four, and has a wide-ranging background in classical, jazz, blues, rock, and pop styles. Her musicianship has garnered compliments from musical greats including the celebrated Israeli classical pianist Benjamin Hochman and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. In addition to her current work with the Steve Manshel Band, she freelances as a musical director, vocal coach and accompanist. Anneke holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree in classical piano performance from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where she studied with Gary Smart, an NEA- and Fulbright-supported American composer; she debuted a set of his compositions in 2012. She held the piano chair in UNF’s Jazz Ensemble 1 for dates around Florida, and as headliners for the 2009 Savannah Jazz Festival. Some of the musicians who most influenced her with whom she’s played are the Memphis-born blues diva Sandra Wright, Thundering Herd veterans Scott Mullett (tenor sax) who also played with Artie Shaw’s Band and was former Musical Director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Dave Shapiro (bass), who also played with Chet Baker and Anita O’Day.

“Steve and these guys in the band are so talented, they have such extensive touring and recording experience -- it’s a joy and an honor to share the stage with them. Even when we play covers, it’s not ‘just another cover band,’ there’s more to it,” she says. “We love working together and I think it shows!”

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Tom Capek is well-known in Colorado musical circles and beyond as a performance artist and session musician, as well as being a composer, arranger, and producer extraordinaire. He studied with Mike Longo (pianist and arranger for Dizzy Gillespie) in New York City, and received training from Rensselaer Polytechnic as well as the Manhattan School of Music. Tom has performed and/or recorded with Dotsero, Nelson Rangell, Chris Daniels, Lannie Garrett, The Samples, Images, Chuck Pyle, Peter Kater, The Colorado Springs Symphony, The National Repertory Orchestra, and others. As a session keyboardist, Tom’s work can be heard on releases also featuring the B-3 legend Joey Defrancesco, Dixie Dregs bass player Dave Larue, and Steve Morse Band drummer Van Romaine, among others. Tom is the resident composer, keyboardist, and engineer at the renowned Colorado Sound studios in Denver, where his work for recording artists across genres and for corporate clients such as PBS is internationally recognized -- not only with industry awards, but also on the Billboard charts.

“My musical history with Steve goes back a long way,” Tom says. “It’s clear that Steve really loves what he does for a living, and he has a gift of being able to read a crowd and tailor a show to what they need and want. Steve’s originals are heartfelt and tell wonderful stories. I love the variety of music he has under his belt: blues, rock ‘n roll, standards, R&B stuff, and contemporary hits. That’s what the band’s strength is about--when we mix it up, it’s not half-baked. We do it really well, and it comes across.”

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Colorado native Steve Ivey started playing drums and piano at age 7, and by high school had such a command of advanced classical repertoire that Juilliard offered him their highest available scholarship. At UNC Greeley, the Lab Band earned three Grammy awards for best college band performance with Steve on drum set by the time he finished his Master’s degree. He then studied with Afro-Cuban superstar Alex Acuña in L.A. before returning to Denver, where he became known as the region’s first-call commercial session drummer. He also recorded and toured extensively with Grammy-winner Nelson Rangell, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and James Taylor. Steve was the first house drummer for Boulder’s eTown radio program, and worked the internationally syndicated production for 13 years. Steve estimates he has recorded over 100 internationally and nationally released records as a sideman and played with approximately 500 artists including The Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett, David Wilcox, Los Lobos, Tim and Mollie O’Brien, and Jimmy Buffett.

Steve says, “Steve Manshel brings a youthful energy and approach to music, and that’s what I’m into. Sometimes in playing with other guys, it just lays there like a dead raccoon in the road! I’m interested in making great music with great people, and continuing to grow as a musician, and that’s why I love working with Steve and this band. The musicians are great, the people are great, and the energy is great.”

Steve Ivey - drums/vocals

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David Becher is one of the most sought-after young bassists in the state. A graduate of the Colorado Contemporary Music College in Fort Collins, David maintains a busy teaching schedule and performs regularly throughout Northern Colorado and the Greater Denver Area. Adept at fretted, fretless and upright bass, David is also at ease playing a variety of styles including rock, pop, jazz, fusion, classic and contemporary country, and Western swing. Local luminaries Bard Hoff, Don Miller and the Roping Dummies, The Jurrasicasters, Taylor Mesple, Jennifer Lane, and The Tom Barbour Trio have all called on David’s talents in performance. Additionally, he played at the New West Fest and the Snowy Range Music Festival with Dave Beegle and Michaela Rae; at the Grizzly Rose with Rightfully Accused; and was recently featured at the first Mile High Art & Jazz Festival with Real To Reel.

“The first time I met up with Steve, we played one song and I realized that there was some magic happening,” David recalls. “Steve Ivey was there too the next time, and seeing them play together -- it was just the best. Playing with them has been comfortable and amazing from the start.” David feels that joining the band is a significant boost to his career. “This is a very professional band with seasoned players and great chemistry, and really strong originals, too.”

David Becher

bass/vocals

Steve Manshel – musician, humorist and humanitarian – has rocked out for untold legions of fans in the decades since he first picked up a guitar.

Steve came young to the realization that his calling was to connect with others through music and comedy, and his life’s mission has come true in several ways. On one hand, he’s played international tours as a member of the legendary Colorado band Firefall, and has appeared on TNN and VH1. On the other hand, he’s been known to stage impromptu performances for evacuees during natural disasters from the back of his truck, or play by the bedside of an 85-year-old friend to bring a smile during her final hours.

Steve’s vivid energy on guitar and emotionally charged vocals captivate audiences wherever he performs - Mile High Stadium, Red Rocks, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, The House of Blues, The Hard Rock Cafe, and countless others. Some of the renowned acts with whom he’s shared the stage are: The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, America, Three Dog Night, Poco, The Little River Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Diamond Rio.

Steve Manshel

guitars/vocals

”I try to make every show I play special, because I love to make people happy. It’s my philosophy. Life should be entertaining!”

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Tom Capek - keyboards/vocals

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FEATURED VIDEOS

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FEATURED AUDIO

STEVE MANSHEL Audio CD

REVIEWS

Always a professional…

Whether providing entertainment for award winning fundraising events, or elevating an intimate gathering with live music Steve Manshel is always a professional that exceeds expectations!

Erin Mounsey

Executive Director • Northern Colorado American Red Cross

Beyond fabulous…

The Steve Manshel Band was beyond fabulous. A DEFINITE crowd pleaser and one of the greatest highlights of this year’s 2014 Concerts at the Crescent. People were coming up to us after the show asking how they could book this band because they were so great. From toddlers to the older concert goers … people were on their feet the entire show and were super bummed when we had to turn out the lights.

I would recommend him … with zero hesitation.

Kelli Kindel

Event Planner • 2014 Concerts at the Crescent

Truly amazing…

You were truly amazing and you absolutely made our wedding one that we (and our guests) will never forget. …you put our minds at ease from the very beginning. From the ceremony to the last dance, you were professional and perfect! Thank you so much for making our wedding so memorable.

Karen & Doug • Bride & Groom

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

I have booked Steve Manshel multiple times and love him. He gets back to me in a timely manner, has a great reputation in the industry, his musicianship is top notch and with his history in Firefall, he is well loved by crowds! I have booked Steve for over 11 years and recommend him without hesitation.

Shannon Rodriguez

Creative Director • AXS Group

Steve Manshel is a true professional. For our Ice Cream Social, he not only was a talented musician, but engaged the audience with his performance. He arrived on time, set up his stage and was ready to sing. His music ability is at a high level and he is comfortable playing a wide range of music. His repertoire provided material that everyone could relate to. Steve, with his high energy, also has the ability to incorporate changes in songs to include a person’s or company’s name.

The crowd enjoyed having a personal touch added.

His hits from Firefall, were a real crowd pleaser. They were a welcomed taste of Colorado history. We enjoyed having Steve at our event. We were not disappointed and would welcome his return.

Jody Jones, Tenant Services Coordinator

Corporate Occupier & Investor Services (CIS) • The Citadel

Musicianship is top notch…

Real crowd pleaser…

Some of our satisfied clients…

CONTACT US

Get more info about The Steve Manshel Band, call 970-669-5959.

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